How to Visit Barcelona on a Budget

Here are some tips on what to see and do when you're in Barcelona, without breaking the bank!

Why Barcelona?

People come from all over the world to see this cosmopolitan city. There is something here for everyone, people flock to this city for a number of reasons, the stunning La Sagrada Familia, the gothic styled cathedral, all the beach activities such as paddle-boarding, and the Gaudi designed buildings, this makes Barcelona a city not to be missed. Due to Barcelona's location getting there is easy, regular flights depart from Europe, the earlier the flight is booked the cheaper it will be. Coaches come across Europe at a cheap price, depending on where your travelling from.

Staying in Barcelona

Dorms are the cheapest way to stay in Barcelona, and an easy way to meet other backpackers. Located all around Barcelona, there is no shortage of hostels. However, the idea of sharing a room with people is not where everyone wants to stay, hostels offer private rooms, and to keep the budget down, there are a selection of B and B's to stopover at. There are plenty of accommodation websites around to find the right hostel or b and b around, here are some recommedations:

Black Swan, is a safe, friendly and well located hostel. Dorms start from 22 euro a night.

HelloBCN is another hostel, with lots of activities to get to know other travellers, this makes it ideal for solo travellers, Dorms are from 13 euros and privates 35 euros.

Serenity Gotic Hostel, is a B and B situated near the beach, the price for private rooms start at 13 euros.

Eating Out

Depending on where travellers are staying, a lot of hostels and some B and B's offer kitchens as part of their facilities. This is good news, as to save money, backpackers stay in and cook and it's a great way to meet people, however there are also some restaurant options that won't damage budgets:

A restaurant called Pollo Rico found in the El Rival neighbourhood, has a selection of various meats and salads. Expect to pay less than 5 euros a plate.

The famous Boqueira market, besides the even more well known Las Ramblas, provides plenty of fresh cuisine and at a very cheap rate.

Bacoa is the first in a gourmet hamburger chain. For good quality burgers, this is a good shout, 8 euros is the price for a burger, with rave reviews and locally grown produce used, Bacoa is a travellers favourite.

What to do

Depending on budget and time, Barcelona offers a bunch of activities to do, such as a visit to Camp Nou, and art museums. However, there are plenty of experiences to be had in Barcelona without having to worry about money.

A number of people do free walking tours of Barcelona which take around 2/3 hours and you will see some of Barcelona's famous sights. Although the tour is free, people are asked to tip, it can be anything people think the tour is worth.

Barcelona is full of parks to have a walk or a picnic in, the park not worth is missing is the beautiful Parc Guell. Parc Guell was designed by Gaudi who designed some of Barcelona's most well known buildings. The park has an amazing view which overlooks Barcelona.

The first Sunday of every month, some of Barcelona's museums let tourists in for free, so for a change of scene, that's also an option.

Nightlife

Hostels offer bar crawls around Barcelona and some even have their own bars inside the hostel, to meet other travellers it's an enjoyable way to begin the night, with these options to go explore the bars in Barcelona.

One of Barcelona's best bars and popular with backpackers is called Betty Ford. Although a restaurant, its a well-known drinking spot, with a broad range of cocktails to choose from as well as lagers. Drinks start from 3 euros.

Belchica is a bar for beer lovers. It holds over 50 Belgium beers, bottled and on tap. Although it's not a traditional traveller bar, the beer is cheap, so suitable for budgets.

For an epic mix that makes the travel experience complete, try the European Quest. Feel the cool cosmopolitan vibes of Paris & Berlin, take in the beauty of Prague & enjoy some time out to relax by the azure blue waters in Nice & the Cinque Terre.